Jujutsu

Jujutsu, sometimes spelled jujitsu, is a Japanese martial art focused on close-quarters combat. It encompasses a range of techniques designed to neutralize an opponent, whether armed or unarmed, through balance disruption, leverage, pinning, throwing, joint locks, and chokes, often without reliance on strength alone. The term jujutsu means “gentle art” or “yielding technique.”

Historically, jujutsu developed among Japanese combatants in the feudal era as a practical defense for soldiers when weapons were unavailable or ineffective. It was taught in numerous schools, or ryū, each with its own curriculum and emphasis. After the Meiji period, many traditional schools waned in practice, while others adapted into modern forms.

One major modern development was judo, created by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century by reorganizing and emphasizing safe, sport-oriented principles of throws and grappling. Jujutsu also inspired Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where practitioners emphasized ground fighting and submission holds; it spread widely in mixed martial arts.

In contemporary Japan, jujutsu remains practiced in both traditional and sport-adjacent contexts. Traditional koryū styles teach a broad spectrum of techniques, often with ritual training and weapons applications, while gendai budō schools focus on athletic, technique-based methods. Etymologically, “jū” conveys yielding or suppleness; “jutsu” denotes technique or art.